Oh you know I’m about to go in. 2018 had me crazy! It had me on point, it had me on rotation, and it had me bugged out. But at the end of me asking these crazy questions we might understand it better. But…since this is the last Scratching my Head all this time of the year, but it’s not the last! So as we countdown to the last ticks of 2018, and we prepare for our Watch Night Services, All Night parties, and family gathering to usher in 2019, and yes to get our resolutions out of what we want to do in all: you’ve guessed it, I’m scratching my head YET AGAIN!

Alright, who remembers any of my blog posts from 10 years ago?

Did anyone really pay attention to the fact that the 45 Administration is getting punked with all the Government Shutdowns in all?

What’s up with the Bird Box?

How will the Governor-Elect Tony Evers Crew really will tame the still Republican Legislature in the first term?

Why is White Supremacy still a maximum problem? Even if it’s a problem among black people in 2018?

What will be next for the Green Bay Packers that got knocked the “F” out of the playoffs, knowing that the team will rebuild and reform for the 2019-2020 Season?

You know that the Milwaukee Bucks are for real, right?

So Milwaukee, has anyone really benefited from riding the streetcar thus far in its free year?

Will the Fiserv Forum be that new guard changing of the now “soon to be dust” Bradley Center?

When Stan Lee passed away, did Bill Maher actually checked him to see he served in the Military? Mainly WWII?! Many need answers!

How many folks outside of Wisconsin never knew anything about the late great Vel Phillips?

What was the best car in 2018?

What were the worst jobs of 2018 that many will NEVER DO AGAIN?

Why did the black websites and Facebook Pages kept repeatedly on rotation published the same story about Pastor John Gray and that Lamborghini gift to his wife?

Level with me OWN viewers, what was the real reason why Love Is was canceled?

For all the black women that watched this show and I know you did: Why BET’s Mancave?

Was this the first year that many REALLY recognized International Men’s Day in November?!

For all of the Becky’s and other white folks that called the police on black folks doing civilized stuff this year and you know you did, where were your conscious minds at doing that foolishness?

Did the #MeToo Movement reach its breaking point in a sense of things that backfired?

If you smelled like Marijuana all through 2018, and you’re in the store or were in a store, did you remember to wash up before leaving the house?

For all those hated Introverts, especially BLACK Introverts, why you picked on them? Like seriously.

Will anymore Black Pastors meet with 45 in 2019 that embarrassed themselves in 2018?

So, Mutant Football League on the Nintendo Switch is making a good impression. What will it actually take for EA to get a Madden game on the system?

Most recently, I’ve seen black authors publish their books on Amazon about their Introvert experience in 2018. I need to see more. Can that happen?

Was Diablo III for the Nintendo Switch really good?

Oh, this needs to be asked, Wolfenstein II was HOT in 2018. Will it be a sequel for the Nintendo Switch?

Which jobs or careers were or are beneficial for the introverted crowd in Wisconsin in 2018?

In 2018, did many benefited using bitcoins?

In this year of stock investing, who bought a share of the Nike Stock or yet, Marijuana stock?

When the Grads of 2018 had their moment of commencements, why were some were being touched by those after dancing on stage?

Who has or is really learning from Roland Martin’s show online?

What was the worst interview this country has ever seen in 2018?

Was Black Panther that darn good this year at the movies and on DVD?

Black Church folks, are you ready for the Watch Night Services?

Was not getting the flu shot that worst in 2018?!

Black Milwaukee, what was better in 2018: WNOV 860AM between 9am-12pm or 1510AM WRRD between 9am-12pm?

So now the WWE will be getting the Women’s Tag Team Belts in 2019. But…………….what about a title that is a mid-carder for the women’s squad? For Raw, Smackdown, and NXT?

Black folks, why are we still saying the N-Word?

In 2018: who got promoted?

In 2018: who actually voted? Not just one time during the midterm election!

In 2018: Did many actually went to the doctor?

In 2018: Did any of you retained your resolutions?

In 2018: Milwaukee, did you enjoyed the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary? As well as Summerfest?

In 2018: Black folks, especially in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, I know this was reported, why all the “underground pledging” that sends your pledging member in the ER?!!!

In 2018: Have any of you saved up financially for that nest egg?

In 2018: level with me, how many times that many of you DID NOT support your Alumni groups?

In 2018: Who did the most work in your community?

In 2018: Who did no work in the community? They need to be called out.

In 2018: Who was the “Dark Horse” in your family, church, organizations, etc?

In 2018: who has a job lined up for 2019 that will be even MORE SECURE?

In 2018: Who wanted a job lined up that no one wanted but applied anyway?

In 2018: How many churches you prayed to, in order to be the best they can?

In 2018: What influenced you to vote against the Republicans that many despised?

If you are a Veteran or related to a Veteran, did you call out a Veteran that protested in support of the Wall in 2018?

The American Legion will be 100 years old in 2019, right? I want to know how many African-Americans will join up and also, how many Sons of Black Veterans will join the Sons of the American Legion? Even Black Daughters the same with the Auxillary?

How many liked Black Lightning this year?

In Milwaukee, many of us have seen the sample of Light the Hoan. Who made a donation in 2018?

Black Methodists in Wisconsin, guess what? BMCR made a comeback this year. What did you think?

United Methodist Men in Wisconsin, there is a metro men’s group in town looking for “Men at Work”. Have you checked out any the meetings this year? If so, what did you think?

Who was this Jacquees dude, and why is claiming to be the King of R&B? Like in 2018?!

So I have heard that some of the GM cars might be on the chopping block in the year ahead, Which of those cars will be less to buy in the future?

Was it really a downer that Luke Cage was canceled on Netflix?

I need to ask also, who missed Scandal?

With all the retirees retired this year, who is next to go in 2019?

Many of us watched the Pinstripe Bowl when the Badgers beat Miami. A good game of course. So many questions like where were this Badgers team all year?!

If many still did blackface in 2018 which was shameful, can many not do it in 2019?

Who actually “migrated” out if Milwaukee that moved to Atlanta or Texas just to get away from the racism but only to realize that racism is everywhere?

Was it really necessary that 45 pulled the troops out of Syria?

If you hated Church folks so much in 2018, why keep talking about it?!

If many did this in 2018: Resumes. Did many kill it for job interviews?

Can someone explain the bad connection between buying Christmas gifts and Tax Time?

In all of the 1,000 posts so far, what wasn’t mentioned?

In all of the 1,000 posts what was learned from you?

In all of the 1,000 posts did anyone ever to follow what else I had to say?

Which Wisconsin teams surprised many in 2018? Brewers or Bucks?

Of all the folks who passed away this year, who was the main person that didn’t receive much recognition?

Of all the folks who were honored this year for their hard work, who didn’t get any recognition after their hard work?

Anyone lost their job unfairly in 2018?

Who was EMBARRASSED HARSHLY in 2018 that will not go away? And will it take to heal?

And this is the last question before the ball drops and clocks out for 2018: What will you carry into 2019 that you learned in 2018? And also, what will you NOT take into 2019 that you went through hellfire and brimstone in 2018?

Ok so now we are about two days removed from one of the most talked about midterms in history, I like everyone else is bone tired from the ads and also the get it over with the mentality of getting through with this election!

I think in this, Wisconsin had made another historical feat of this election. Yes, I said it!

So, answer me this Wisconsin folks what do you think was the determining factor of this midterm election? I’m going to say this I believe that the most common, and the most interesting and the most determining Factor was when Tony Evers and Scott Walker were in the dead heat of the governor’s chair. And eventually, it had a lot of twists and turns along the way. I had to admit, it was a lot of twists and turns in which that ultimately led to this one final decision that Tony Evers eventually won the election over Scott Walker. Man, we have to ask, how did Tony Evers pull this off? I mean for real how did he pulled this off? If you have been following the Tony Evers connection, you would have known that number one, Tony Evers is well known in Wisconsin. Particularly as a state superintendent of the schools. And two, that his supporters who wanted him to run kept it on the real down low. So yes, he worked like a ninja!

While on the other end, we all know by now that Mandela Barnes will be the new Lt. Governor for the State. On this point, he will be the FIRST African-American Male to hold that position. EVER. Wisconsin in its 170 years as a State in all, has NEVER had a black person to hold a position of Governor or Lt. Governor. I’ve asked in the past, when will Wisconsin have someone from the Black Community to be Governor or close to it? Well, it appears that the Lieutenant Governor part is done, but next in the future, the head Governorship is well in reach. Oh yeah, I’ve met Mandela on several occasions and yes he is an alum of my alma mater, John Marshall High School in Milwaukee. Speaking of that: when word got out that Evers and Mandela won, yes I shared the news article on my alma mater’s Facebook Page. There were about over 100+ likes on the Milwaukee Marshall HS Alumni page and yes there were many positive vibes. However, there’s always that one member that had to say something negative and dumb. The commenter brought about Mandela and this thing about “ratchet parties”.

In 2009, there was an advertisement on Facebook about this event called, “Vicky Parties” It was a lingerie party. And yes, Mandela’s name was attached to the event. Plus, he was just 22 years old. Now OK, a lot of us who are older than 22 years old can obviously say “well when I was 22, I didn’t do those things. I kept out of trouble and worked hard after college in all that.”

Don’t get me started! Yes, I was 22 also, and the thought about me going to ratchet parties was not even thought about. And guess what, at 22 I was still in college. A technical college in Milwaukee. Had a job working between classes in all and still living with my parents. So what? But in the case of Mandela Barnes though, this story that happened in 2009 means nothing! And yes the commenter on the Milwaukee Marshall Alumni Page ain’t saying nothing else about this 9-year story that MEANS NOTHING! Was Mandela arrested? Did he get booked? Was he even suspended without pay? Fined? What was the crime for this?! There were no booking papers. No arrest warrants. None of that. So what was the real crime here?! That story then and now means nothing and it’s still nothing. For all those who feel that especially that fool on Marshall’s Alumni Page thinks that this incident or story is not appropriate for him to serve the people of Wisconsin, you need to check 45 about him grabbing women by the Vagina Parts in all and oh, he won 2 years ago. Why is Trump NOT IN JAIL?! I’ll never know.

With them being the big winners in the State, the challenge of them will come up in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to battle the now Republican-led Assembly that might limit powers of the Governor’s position out of the mouth of Speaker Robin Vos. And others who feel that it should have been Walker all the way. Well, this I think “power decrease idea” of Robin Vos is a high crime that needs to be broken because this is the same group of fools that were in favor of driving the way of the High-Speed Rail, budget repair bills, bragging about the 250,000 jobs (which NEVER HAPPENED) busting up Unions that was fairly well respected, slashing Education funding, Foxconn, not letting Hard Rock build a casino in Kenosha and many other blunders that the soon to be former Governor Numb Nuts had messed up! And the barrier of this, many of this really started in Milwaukee where Walker was using computers on company time as County Executive. Oh, don’t you remember that? This soon to be former Governor was just that: dumb! And this is the same guy was going around with his high school diploma and failing college out of Marquette University? This guy?!

So after 8 dismal years of pain, in the state of Wisconsin: Walker IS DONE! He along with Rebecca Kleefisch (a former Milwaukee Channel 12 reporter mind you) can pack their bags and leave Madison. They have done their damage and yet they can go. Let them get their lack thereof acknowledgments and all and after that: BE GONE!

Now I want to shift gears here: I need to talk about the role of African-Americans and this disdain of one person’s opinion of being black and voting should not be vital. Press play.

Black Conscious Folks: shut your mouths! I’m just listening to Roland Martin’s segment on Tom Joyner’s Morning Show. And a lot of us have been telling other black folks that we shouldn’t be voting and such.

If many of us on social media got these so-called conscious folks that have no endgame, no purpose, no goals, always pointing the finger at others but not themselves, thinking they are all smart and such other things: let them go! Take them off your lists, your contacts, your buddy lists and get them off your life right now! You don’t need some so-called conscious fool who thinks like Malcolm X or an Original Black Panther telling you not to vote and it doesn’t have a goal for political objectives. You all who have them on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, and countless others: Delete them! Take them off the list. They are not worth talking to.

All of our lives, politics have been in us. From the Cradle to the Grave. It’s going to impact all of us. And it still does. So I don’t want to hear some fake conscious dude about “oh don’t vote, there is no black agenda….” Look here: If you want a black agenda you need to step up your game and actually work to create one! Why don’t you create one that could benefit the valor of the BLACK COMMUNITY?! Oh yeah, we know it, BUT how long can it be valuable?

Black folks, I know we are conscious proud people. No question. But again, we need to stop listening to all these fake conscious negroes that telling us about this disdain about not voting and other stuff. And that goes for following folks on your Social Media lists who feel that all Pastors are evil wearing Fake Jesus Shirts being a demigod. Or believing that so much about them and not about many. They don’t have an answer. Just opinions. Bad opinions!

Well to conclude, Wisconsin: we got work to do. In the words of our state motto: FORWARD!

Before you read my commentary: watch this footage from Roland Martin Unfiltered.

Did you understand all of this? What does it remind you of? Think about all those times when your so-called friends, co-Workers, and others looked at your gear had to make comments like, why you got on this, or what’s up with those shoes. If anyone is like 45 and under and part of an era where that talk was going on you know what I’m talking about. I can relate to the commentary of this from Roland Martin’s new show, and yes you can view it anytime online you want. Unlike cable and/or Satellite you have to pay for it. But this was so related because many of us can go though the jones just because they got this and they the same ones looking fly are making fun of you because you don’t have it. From Elementary School to High School even guys like me had to succumb to getting from Pro Wings to Nikes in a matter of years.

I’m saying this because one it’s the truth. And two, many of us in the community, especially in the Black Community have this problem of what folks do and don’t have and it’s almost a picking contest. I really need to ask, what was and is the point in all of this?! What’s the point? Is it trying to fit in, or being in a clique, or just to make a impression on a girl/guy? What is the real problem?! Most of my teen life and childhood I couldn’t hang with it and got sucked in. But now as an adult I really need to ask this now, what is or was the point? Yeah I’m 41 years old and most of my clothes shopping isn’t like the 90’s anymore. The game has changed. But despite of the game being changed up, it seems that I thought that particular part should have stayed in high school. But, I was so wrong. Even grown folks can be foolish at times (no matter the age) that getting all materialistic will win a popularity contest, but it won’t!

And the point of the matter is, this is why part of this generation is messed up in the head. It’s not the younger folks fault. Blame the grown ups! That is what it’s about. It’s the fault of the grown folks because they’ve seen this kind of blueprint and the kids just modeled after it. If anyone had to recall, the parents whom had to work hard to provide either living or deccased, we the grown folks nation of now Generation X didn’t listen then, but after seeing all this, we have to begin to understand.

For all the idiots preaching this to the kids now, congrats: you’ve played yourselves. All those times folks were saying, why those cars, why that headphones, why this, why that. Many of us working folks DO NOT have the time nor the patience to see who got what. So he has a nice motorcycle with the jet engine frame. GOD BLESS HIM! She has the new Nike pumps for the date night. God Bless Her! So what! I’m not trying to compete with them! The only person I’m competing is the reflection on the mirror everyday. Me.

That is your real competition. Everyday when you wake up and ask, what’s next?

And for all those doing this bickering, you don’t pay no rent, or bills in that person’s house! You don’t know their story, but why do you still trip about their livelihood?

Now I know that the Milwaukee Brewers are having a heck of a season. They are. And reached 50 plus wins in the NL Central. Oh yeah it’s positive vibes.

But that’s the good news. The bad? Josh Hader. If anyone paid attention to the recent All Star Game in which the National Team lost, there was a report about Josh Hader using racial terms, or messages on all things: Twitter. There was messages of “White Power” and hating gays and many others. Seriously. And he was 17 years old. A teenager. When I saw the footage about him making that appearance to the mound, and the fans making the standing ovation, that to me is a problem. How can any fans in Baseball, especially majority white, give a guy like Josh Hader a standing ovation after his racist remarks? This looks very bad and disturbing. Especially for the Milwaukee Brewers Organization.

Many are saying, “he was 17 years old”. And saying this on social media. Of course, that the old heads kept saying that be careful what you post. Even I said this! Josh Hader is getting that lesson right now even in the City of Milwaukee that we all know that it’s segregated. Do majority of the white folks who come to Miller Park or any other comes to Milwaukee Special Events knows about the segregated checkered past? They better. Now I know that I’m getting a reaction of like “yes we know”. But we don’t know enough. Have I’ve been discriminated against my black skin in Wisconsin? Yes. I’ve explained it over and over again about being hated on for a job offer through Dresser Waukesha 8 years ago. It will be 8 years next month in August when I got that letter from Tallahassee, Florida about black folks not being hired by the company due to it’s checkered past of racism in the Greater Milwaukee Area. This is one of the reasons why I don’t usually respond to job postings as much because of this matter. Of course many companies will say, “we don’t discriminate against anyone based on race, creed, class, gender, etc.” But do many companies actually feel this way? Let’s be honest, not all of them. But there are those whom are jealous about a applicant that they just looked up on LinkedIn or Facebook who had all the credentials and being passed over all because he or she was black or highly educated. That’s why we have folks like Scott Walker and Donald Trump whom have all that White Privilege and I dare say, racist angles in office. And majority of the voters put them in office. And I’ll bet many who put them in office, don’t want a guy like Mahlon Mitchell per se in the race to be the next Wisconsin Governor. To me, I’m still betting on Mahlon to get a chance to steal this shocker to get the chair in Madison. But that’s another story.

Long time ago in Church, my older sister once said about being careful what you say during a Youth Moment segment. Even she also said if it was in the second grade. By looking at the racist tweet from age 17, Josh Hader had to be in high school as either a junior or senior. Go figure.

If any of the African-American players on the Brewers whom like Eric Thames, Lorenzo Cain, or Keon Braxton said some messages of hate on Social Media, they will be GONE! Out of the picture or banned! And many will be asking why that is. For Josh Hader, he will be getting the full “Ethnic Sensitivity Treatment Classes” on respecting cultures in all. It’s kind of interesting, that the Milwaukee Brewers in August are having a theme night event called African-American Heritage Night on August 3rd, in commemorating the Negro League Tribute to the Milwaukee Bears, whom at one time were apart of the city’s history that was long forgotten. When I saw the comments on Facebook, there were some “jerk offs” had to ask about, when is Polish American Night happening, or making some meaningless jokes about black culture. I’m not kidding. And many don’t realize that the problem in Major League Baseball is the diversity that not enough black folks are engaged with the game. Unlike Football or Basketball. Wait until football season starts either NCAA or yes the NFL. Just wait. And also that Heritage Night is day before of the newly Black Arts Fest MKE will be debuted at Summerfest after a 5 year absence of no African World Festival in the city.

Another thing comes to mind that the same week that Josh Hader’s racist tweets had surfaced, guess what? Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in the same week! For those whom may have forgotten, Hulk Hogan was suspended for three years from the company’s Hall of Fame Status due to the fact that he was caught using the N word in regarding the thought of someone who would date his daughter Brooke. And oh, the firestorm had started. Forget about Hollywood Hulk Hogan with the nWo Heel Turn, this was Hulk Hogan or Terry Bolea using the N word and getting caught red handed out for that. When he was reinstated after three years, last week yes he wanted to make things right, but not every black WWE Superstar ranging from The New Day to Titus O’Neill didn’t somewhat approve of him being back. Except for Mark Henry whom is a newly inducted WWE Hall of Famer.

But the fact of the matter is, Hogan had to get right with himself about what he said. Maybe, just maybe that Josh Hader should do the same. And oh, it will not take a week. But the sting still remains in regarding to talk about race in all angles even in sports and entertainment. The jury on both is still out. As well as accountability.

Oh, is it Independence Day? The day of the 1776 that many were “partying?” Oh yes, it’s July 4th. The 242nd Anniversary of the Independence. And yes like before, we can celebrate in all. Plus I dare say to comment this: The Struggle Continues!

Why do I keep saying, The Struggle Continues? I keep it as a reminder that no matter what happens in life and in our daily lives, the struggle of the ideas, objectives, faith, financial, manhood, womanhood, your sexual preference, voting ideas, marital status, and other things we hold dear like a musket still continues with this struggle. Even being black and conscious about our black-selves is a struggle EVERYDAY.

Black folks: we know that already that a day like this may or may not favor us likewise. When this day of Independence was established as we know, our people was not partying like everyone else. Others may ask why, we know that SLAVERY and BONDAGE were a factor of us not celebrating the fireworks. It took 89 years, (that’s right 89 years) for us to have our share of freedom when Juneteenth Day was created. For you the non-black audience this is part of history that many (and MANY) slept over. We get caught up in the hype and we forget that there were cracks in the ground that didn’t get covered. Think about this, the next 4th of July Holiday will be in 2019. The same 2019 when we will summarize the last slaves arrived from Africa in 1619. We’re talking on the real: 400 years. We will be saying 400 years alot next year. But when that happens, we’ll recognize it and surely it will be summarized that will make 45’s hair snap out! We can talk about the use of Patriotism in the country. But for us Black folks here me when I say this: We are Patriots too! When someone on our social media folks says that black people aren’t patriots, they are lying. We are patriots due to the speaking out of Police Brutality. We are patriots speaking out on our Black Lives Matter every time! We speakout on the hate on us being denied of jobs, homes, assistance of medical and finance, where to shop, having our say of education, voting, innocent lives getting killed, and many others with the moniker “Amerikkka” in all in the addressing the thought and issues and concerns about this country that really affects us! We have to address it! And the reason being because is if anyone is not going to address our issues, we have to do it. That is OUR patriotic duty as citizens to upkeep the words that Dr. King once said as an example: “Be true what you say on paper!” That is just not being patriotic in our way, but it’s also being held accountable for the things and issues that get put out there! Yeah, we have a patriotism in our own right. And you don’t necessarily have to wave the Red, White and Blue all the time. The real patriotism is in your heart and your viewpoints. I just had to say that.

Frederick Douglass even questioned that when he asked, “What to the slave is the 4th of July? Martin Luther King even ask that question more than just “I Have A Dream”. Rosa Parks even asked about that question when hanging a banner about those being lynched. Malcolm X was questioning that very often about the formality of Black Excellence/Nationalism being questioned along with peace and freedom. And many countless others said the same thing whom were and are African-American and having the balls to do it. In his last 4th of July as President, Barack Obama commented about “imperfections in our union”. And he was right. And still there are imperfections today that still need to be tackled right now.

Currently, we are still speaking out. Even Rep. Maxine Waters of California still criticized the antics of Donald Trump. Yes, Auntie Maxine is speaking the truth like it or not. And many can hate all they want. Even some Democrats need to shut up and listen of what’s really going on. And oh, they and others want to her to stop talking that jazz and having civility. You want to talk about civility?! And all that talk about her inciting violence? What a joke! The real joke is the 45 acts of stupidity. The real joke of seeing that stars and stripes side by side with the North Korean Flag which almost make me puke. The real joke is hating on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for the criticisms about this American made product that is Milwaukee Born being some of the jobs being shipped overseas and of course some of the employees probably favored Trump. Plus would this act stains the 115th Anniversary? And even rolling back the ideas that Barack Obama placed regarding the Affordable Care Act, College Admissions and others were classified as a joke for Trump. And all that so-called “Make America Great Again” stuff is nothing more that a fake revolution to bring to light. It’s a farce! Even separating families at the border for no apparent reason. And black folks we know the feeling of separation as many times explained how our people were on auction blocks being sold into slavery. And generations in the future are putting the links together to assemble our family trees.

Why I am saying this on a day like today? Why many are saying, “Stephen this is our country’s birthday. Leave it alone”. WHY?! Come on, now! I am like a Patriot that is addressing the concerns that many are afraid to touch just like everyone else. And no I’m not hating the Vets like many of you. My father served in the Vietnam War, an UNPOPULAR WAR mind you that was hated by many. This year would have reflected 50 years since he came home from Vietnam and when he got back, he like many others were disrespected by being called “baby killers” from the same folks who probably then waved the flag for support. Even though that the Vietnam Vets that I know and knew served in the was that wasn’t all that, they still served, period! And now 50 years later, they are just getting their just due for service. Well, I need to ask where was that love for them 50 year ago when they returned? I’m just asking and saying at the same time.

Despite of all this, yes we are lucky to have this time. But however we also recognize that it has not been easy. We have to grind every time to get to our objectives and goals. We can still be bold of our Independence but we still have alot of work to do. Even with this crazy So-called President that many right are realizing that Hillary might have been a better choice. There are many of us have been saying it. But……like Roland Martin says on Twitter: #WeTriedToTellYa!

So with all that, we still got work to do. We still got to weed out the wickedness that plagues us very badly. What that means is we got to do better. Like former VP Joe Biden once said that America is a better country that this. We can be better and will be better. Not just with a catch phrase. But with the actions behind it.

It’s time for me to blow up. Really. I like many African-Americans in this country have “had it up to here” with all this meaningless and pointless B.S. about the “cop calling Caucasians” and they know who they are telling them about certain black folks doing things like sitting down, waiting, sleeping in college areas, refusing to get up for white customers, and a bunch of lame excuses!

CALLOUT: For all those can I say this, and excuse my french: Shut your trap!

You heard me. We see you doing the same stuff almost and do we get on our phones calling the Po-Po? No!

For many weeks, and months, stop me if you read or heard these examples:

Sleeping while Black:

Or what about this concerning Cracker Barrel and it’s long history of discrimination against blacks?

A 57 year old black Air Force Veteran was discriminated in restaurant all because of these things: One, the veteran Randy Freeman, 57 years old is a black male. That’s right. Black Male. And he is a business owner. Two, Cracker Barrel had a extended history of discriminating against black customers for years! That is not so shocking. Three: He was kicked out of the restaurant because the restaurant was accusing him of being rude to waitresses via the manager. In the ending result, he filed a federal lawsuit in the regarding the incident that occurred in April.

Let me switch gears on a “I’m calling you out on being quiet” story. I’m sure that many of you heard about the two Native American Teens were on a college campus and they were questioned by the College Police about who they were and what were they doing on campus looking suspicious?

First off, why were they being questioned because they didn’t talk on the tour?! That BS don’t fly right! It don’t. I’ll agree that even this example is nothing more than a reach for racism! Discrimination. Hating on. Get the message. Obviously they were let go and the University wanted them to come back for a shot at the campus. I wouldn’t take that offer because to me it’s a bribe. The college can beg all they want but if they don’t want to comeback, they shouldn’t. I wouldn’t set foot on that college ever again! They got exposed. My this is, go to a different school that you feel is best for you! Nothing else.

Now back to the black stories. This next one, I really don’t understand. This concerns the recent Community Service project of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Everyone knows that Sigma Gamma Rho is the youngest sorority of the Divine Nine and they wear the royal blue and gold and known for being founded in 1922. Plus the mascot is the Poodle. And yes the Sorority has members of well known names like, Vivica A. Fox, MC Lyte, Martha Reeves, Deshauna Barber (Miss USA), Marylin McCoo, just to name a few figures. And yes like many in the NPHC it’s about service work We know the parties and gatherings and strollings. But the keyword in this is SERVICEWORK!

In Pennslyvania: a group of the sorority were cleaning up a portion of a highway 83 when they were interupted by a State Trooper claiming that they were fighting. Then the State Trooper asked them to show their ID’s. Showing ID’s?! All because they were cleaning the interstate. Really?! Eventually in the end, the Sorority was later resumed doing their services and the State Trooper was dismissed from the area of the conversation.

Now I need to ask this on the real: Was that necessary!? I’ve seen community service projects on the Freeways before. Why is this a concern?! And why does this have to be called in through the authorities?! This is so stupid! It’s clearly stupid because it’s a case of an overreach. Yeah I’m going there that it’s a matter of assumption and suspicion that it’s a vendetta that the ongoing so-called being watchful on black folks is now escalated. We all thought that being watched in stores is one thing. But when we are out in the community doing service duties, or waiting on a friend for a business deal, or hearing a convo during a tour like the Native American Teens encountered, or sleeping in a college commons area, and if the majority of that is black, then there is an assumption of trouble that might spark. Oh, but guess what: there was NO CRIME! NOTHING!

It’s like as the major crime of the century just been unleashed. What was the crimes exactly? Folks, all of this is nothing but one thing: fear. It’s all about fear or the assumption of fear that “Oh, he looks suspicious because he’s not talking to me. He needs to be on watch.” Or like “oh we need to be watching those folks. They need look strange with that activity!” What would happen if church folks of any denomination is doing picture taking for a book and they get questioned by the Police? They are doing ministry! Something bigger than themselves! Where’s the crime in that? I often heard this from one of my former teachers whom were white always say, “do something constructive with yourselves!” Yes white folks I’m sampling that notion from you since 1994! Well……what about it?

All of this is junk. Trying to steer away the actual thought. And it’s completely stupid! There are real crimes that happen everyday. And it’s usually the major ones that get you caught on the evening news or the local paper. Why not go after the bad guys who don’t this?

Welcome to the blog story that is traditional. Let’s Review of what I said last year with a twist:

Like Sgt. Hulka used to say in the movie Stripes: “before we proceed any further, we gotta get something straight.”

I’m going to be taking this blog to new heights. It’s not just going to be the same old song and dance. Nope, that is going to be one and done. It’s going to more that just one blog story. No matter if you are in America or in freaking India, be ready. This blog thing will get real. If I got to get my Periscope, or own video thing on here to help my stories, well: that’s what I have to do one day. What does all this mean? It means that I have to get better with the idea of blogging with the issues and concerns. I have to. It’s not just that thing that needs to be done, it must be done to improve. To inspire and yes, to get to the point of view that I need to display.

Yes folks will walk tall, shoulders back, chin up, conscious up to the 10th level, and of course this is an idea that would be beneficial. I thought about destroying this blog and ending a 10+ year streak, all because of other concerns of boredom or that same story. But wait…..this could be a benefit to help and inspire. While many might think that one story from a blog is all there is, think again.

Stephen’s Spot is not just about one blog story. Or one picture. Or one anything. It can be revolutionary, inspirational, conscious, fun, life experienced, or just plain normal. It’s not a one dance show. It’s one in the million that can be experienced if many take the time to read more than one. Now, I know many are just now discovering the blog based on what I written back in 2014 or whatever. But if you (yes you) the reader actually like what I write here, in a sense of right now, thank you.

Knowingly I can’t control what others might read, but by me writing more, and thinking more, it will be fully objectionable for me to carry on. I’m in the 40 year old plus age bracket, and yes this age bracket will indeed test my theory and summarize.

So guess what: you want Stephen’s Spot? I’ve give you Stephen’s Spot! This is not no same ol song and dance. Nope, not here!

So for now: let’s start my New Year’s Tradition of Stephen’s Spot that doesn’t need a repeat: What do want to see and not want to see in 2018! 18 things by the way.

ITS GO TIME!

First Five I want to see in THAT YEAR OF 2018:

1) Time to work folks. If this is the year that you will get that real job, the time is now. No more wasting time by waiting on others. It won’t work. We need to have a “Career Awareness Month”. We need to have better job fairs, career expos, have a “seasonal vet” career fair for the mature folks. Not that watered down stuff that many are getting. Even if you still have that degree in display, that many will pass up. We have to do better.

2) If you got to get yourself checked. Do it. You know where the doctors are. As well as the dentists, eye examination folks and more. Matter of fact some of them might be near you right now. And while were at it, we need to for real get educated about the issues of health. I hear say, “you need to do this or that”. or “you need a flu shot.” BEFORE ANY THAT HAPPENS: ASK QUESTIONS! Forget what you saw on Facebook, know that real stuff first! Really stop and ask questions!

3) 2018 means that the Congress will take over with some new #45 laws being placed. If any of the new members screw up, get on their case! Don’t just complain on social media, complain to the So-and-So’s! Write letters, emails with proper sentences! You can do that, you know.

4) You know that 2018 is a mid term voting year. Oh you didn’t know this? Pay attention! It’s not the presidential election, but maybe some of your Governors or County Supervisors will be running on the ballot. Do better!

5) Speaking of the voting thing, this would be a time to get your voter registration checked and/or updated to get ready for the 2018 election. I want to see this happen even more. Plus in the future like all these health months, why can’t we have a Voter Awareness Month? Remember this: FAAN – February, April, August and November!

Next Five I don’t want to see:

6)Like last year: I don’t want to see no one complaining about the lack of this or that in the church. If you don’t have a certain something going in your church, then make something happen! Keep at it! What did I say after my father’s passing: Be empowered, and Stay in the fight!

7) And like many many years ago: I don’t want to see black folks putting other black folks down for stupid reasons. No matter what happens we must continue to look in the mirror and raise up. Jobs, education (past or present) contributions, etc. And that goes for anyone else.

8) Never EVER OVERLOOK THIS – Black Queens: you say you LOVE us Black Kings right? DO YOU?! Here is a challenge that you might not think. Cater to us for ONE DAY at a restaurant, or maybe give us a day that we might enjoy. Think it over! Many of you got Brothers, Fathers, Uncles, Husbands, Boyfriends, Cousins, Neighbors, and many other male influences that you probably know that need that appreciation! You guys go all out for your thing and we’re in the seats. Why not us?

9) I HOPE TO GOD, I don’t want to see credit checks on black folks no more. Matter of fact, not on anyone anywhere with credit checks!

10) I don’t want to see those who didn’t vote gloat. Guess what: Elections have Consequences. Especially in this Midterm Season!

Five More things I want to see:

11) I want to see more of us ALUMNI (YOUNG AND OLD) to reinvest in our Alumni Groups. Not just for the class reunions and everyone also shows up broke, mad, left out and uninformed. And by the way, if you see an Alumni Rep at your class reunion, don’t get no attitude about your daughter or son in college needing money and you think that your old High School has no money. That will not work!!!! Just dumb. Have you heard of Scholarships, like churches hand out every year? Stop playing!

12) I want see the results of us doing the work. Not just the partial results of patting on the back and say “nice work”. But also what did it took to get the results needed. And if your employer is celebrating a milestone of service (10, 20, etc), give him or her the due of respect. It’s the right thing to do. Or even if no one gives you a pin of service: give yourself one!

13) I want us “non scared and scared grown folks in the Black Church Groups” to talk to our youth. Seriously talk to them. Some of them need us to come to them. I don’t care if they are in the schools shooting basketballs or at the community centers or in church playing Madden. Or double dutcng or learning a praise dance. Even tutoring! Let’s learn to #HashtagAndTalk to our young folks. Male members of the church: get the young men involved in these groups! Women, you know what it is.

14) I want to see more black folks in the communities whom think there is nothing there to do, start something! Stop complaining! Stop moaning! Get up and get out and make the stuff happen!

15) Like last year and year ago, here is a thought: I want to see ALL fraternities, and ALL sororities to recruit and meet up with seasoned vets that can help out. Especially those of the black fraternities and sororities. All of the Divine 9 folks: From the Alphas to the Iotas and from the AKA’s to the Sigma Gamma Rho’s: Have a day in which YOU need to go out to the seasoned vets of those whom are 40 ish and up that want to join up to support the groups you represent. And also, don’t be so judgmental about those whom are at that 40’s range. Best place to find us: either at our church events, alumni group meetings, etc. And this goes for the American Legion Family, Masons, Elks, Eastern Stars, and etc. WE SEE YOU!

Final three: want not to see and want to see.

16) Of all the things I don’t want to see: enough of the blame game on Black Lives Matter that seemed violent or racist. For all you Blue Lives Matter, or copying off the Black Lives Matter Movement, you will suck. Instead of hating on Black Lives Matter at least go to a meeting or hear from those who lost a brother, or sister or a parent that was black. Take notes, Blue Lives Matter.

17) Now this might work in this 2018: Get Grown in your work and volunteerism. We know what we need to do, and what to do this year. So why not get involved! And the time is right now!

18) This is for the grown folks 18 and up: HANDLE your grown business! After all, we supposed to be grown after 18, right?

I had to set back for a few days listening to all the hoopla about the use of the NFL with ratings going down, folks burning jerseys and merchandise. And cancelling the DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket or any NFL whatever all because many of you (you as in overly patriotic) being butt hurt about all the kneeling in protest of what Colin Kaepernick started with the protest last year. And also, a lot of you are just mad all because of a flag. Or in essence with the National Anthem being referenced with that third stanza featuring no refuge for a slave. Ok. But the fact of the matter is, many will watch football and be aware about the issues that continues to plague the nation and our lives every single day. And of course I’m one of them.

Now for those whom are black and love my blog: don’t get mad a me saying that I will watch my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers for the rest of the season no matter what and still be concerned about the ongoing concerns about black men and women getting killed unceremoniously by the badge of the police, or any other form of racism that plagues America. Now many probably asked, “You boycotting the NFL?!” “No I’m boycotting the devil!” The devils need to be boycotted everytime when you get up in the morning, wash up, clothes and shoes on, breakfast, off the school or work, taking breaks, going to classes, lunch, more work and classes, going back home, chilling, doing homework, cook dinner, get your TV show up, and going to bed and do the same routine the next day. And while all that is going on: THE DEVIL still walks! That’s what I see in this protest and hating on the flag and anthem.

When I was listening to my black radio station, WNOV in Milwaukee, there a spot in the broadcast about the Anthem with the third stanza of the slave lyric. Part of that what was summarized that many didn’t know was the meaning behind the lyric was dealing with the disdain out of Francis Scott Key being upstaged by black power! You conscious black folks waving the Red Black and Green NEED to pay attention! Of course you can think all you want, but there is always another side of the lyric that probably fueled anger out of feelings of being upstaged. That to me was behind that third stanza! Other black folks didn’t hear this angle. If you lead the NewsOne News on cable or satellite, you will keep missing the boat alot. Why? Because you didn’t research it.

Now what is it about that FLAG? The red, white and blue. The same Red White & Blue that many have on our houses, walls and folded in a triangle from a committal service. And also the same flag that was carried during the Civil Rights era when Martin Luther King was still alive. And the same flag that our ancestors whom fought in wars with the time of discrimination. It’s been said when the Delany sisters used to say: “We loved our country, even though it didn’t love us back.” Again, does that sound familiar? I’m going to say that even though that the flag maybe is “this problem”, but it’s not THE problem! It’s really how the flag was used to distract negatively or dismiss any thought of any so-called thing of getting over a thing like racism or being oppressed. The flag is not in my view, a symbol of oppression. But nooses are. Calling a black person the N word or displaying the word on a person or house is a symbol of oppression. Discriminating a person based on their sex, background, church viewpoints, financial or economic status, or being not with the cause and being called a sellout just because you come from a family that is all that with work and you’re not – SYMBOL OF OPPRESSION! I’m going there today!

For anyone who is pro-black: look it’s fine to be pro-black. In really its great to be pro-black to reflect, summarize and also recognize our ethnicity. But it is also NOT to say that if you’re pro-black you are a racist. Also sometimes, when we in our pro-blackness, we may run into problems and concerns of what we say and do. I’m not talking about the slogans, fists, clothing, headwraps, the full Red Black and Green in all. Recognizing the quotes of Malcolm X and countless others that remind us about the struggle in all. We do it everyday. HOWEVER we got to get the stories right! We got to get the words RIGHT! We got to get the training RIGHT! People will say many things, but here’s what I know: You got your side, you got their side and in the middle: THE TRUTH. And I’ll go further with Black Lives Matter that the movement is NOT RACIST! Just because I see or say or display Black Lives Matter, I’m not advocating racism. I’m advocating concerns about the news that doesn’t get much exposure that normal news doesn’t show. Bad cops doing bad shootings on African Americans. HR doing a disservice on applicants of color MAINLY BLACKS. I know because I went through it 7 years ago being dissed by Dresser Waukesha due to my skin color. True story. I’m advocating about black news stories that get covered up and doesn’t get shown like MSNBC or CNN. I’m using this as an example. And black folks, many are saying that we’re not patriotic. Oh yes we are. In a sense, we are patriotic in our own way based on labor, activism, and many others. Either you wave the Red Black and Green or Red White and Blue, it’s really in your heart! Not what you wore last night! You probably thought about the men and women who wear the uniform or Veterans that wore the uniform. If you wear a simple shirt and pants and basketball shoes volunteering for a shelter or advocating a job opportunity, voting, health concerns and ideas, banking, making a statement of opinion (as we know) or giving back to your Alma Mater that you loved so much, guess what? Part of that is Patriotism! It’s a belief. It’s a goal. It’s a purpose we seek. POSITIVELY! Not being forced!

Last year when our “Russian friends” were looking at our elections for a new President, many felt that Social Media was the harm in which fake accounts or pictures or stories were used inappropriately to divide and conquer. And also to continue to scare and spill the blood about our politics that portions of it is very stupid! And we see this mess spilled in our backyards! Lot of you are saying, “Why are you saying all of this? We know this already” Many of us DON’T KNOW! We don’t pay attention. We miss the boat on this so much. But the fact of matter is some are going to this blog or any other story that will get the info and many will ask, why wasn’t I told about this? Uh-huh, just like the things you missed in Church.

In regarding the NFL, and the issues being spilled like blood this is a mess. And it will take alot of us (ALOT OF US) to clean it up!

I’m sure that many in America already knows about the deal that was signed when Foxconn, a Taiwan company that landed a deal that would boost Wisconsin’s job numbers concerning employment. We all know that when Scott Walker boasted a plan to have the 250,000 jobs to happen, actually DID NOT WORK. I told you so, Wisconsin. The same words, I told you so rang out so many times I can’t event count. And this was about 6 years ago. Now with the jobs for Foxconn according the sources that it would attract about 13,000 jobs. And it’s going to come to the area of Racine or Kenosha Counties. And just like Amazon, they will NOT come to the Milwaukee Metro Area. And the fact is that yes, when Foxconn inked the deal there had some concerns about also about the taxation part. This deal per se might cost us taxpayers to be on the hook for the next 15 years. How is this deal is going to be beneficial for taxpayers like me for the next couple of years?! Like really, Madison. Plus, Foxconn has been in bad blood in the last couple of years. To the residents of Pennsylvania, we have read about your dilemma about the plant that hasn’t been built. And many of us in Wisconsin are fully aware about it the promises that you were to be given, but didn’t work. And the result was bad broken politics. We get it.

I’ll bet many probably thought, really Wisconsin?! Have you been screwed up already? Oh and other thing, many think that this would seal up Scott Walker’s deal as a way to get reelected for 2018.

Now since the Foxconn company is coming to the state, what will become of us whom don’t have transportation to get to the jobs? We know that Amazon can’t do it alone, but many of us don’t have a jeep, a truck, a car, or a Go-Kart to get to Foxconn every day? Think about it. And what will the state black residents have a say in this?

Oh wait! We had an idea that was seemed very VERY interesting. It was a High Speed Rail Train that would have linked Milwaukee and Madison. You do remember that we HAD over 800 million dollars stacked up for the Talgo Trains and the jobs? Is all that memory coming back? And what did our glorious Governor Numb Nuts did with that money and the jobs and the trains? He gave it all away! The state got sued due to a breach of contact and it was THE biggest blunder ever! Wisconsin, you should have kept the trains. But you failed to follow the advice of Scott Walker. And those like Robin Vos and Alberta Darling. And did I mention that part of which of that dumb decision was geared towards racism? Let that sink in! After 6 years. That was also to help integrate the region. And many were worried that black folks would go to Jefferson County for coffee and donuts. Really?! And to do the math, Wisconsin’s black population is around 8%.

Oh, now that there is talk about using a Canadian Railway track to combine the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago for a Intercity Rail Route with Amtrak. That seems like an idea, but how is THIS is going to get paid? And the thing is, you got this Foxconn plant coming up, and they need some kind of transportation for Freight and also what about those who don’t drive, that live in far places, how are they are going to get to work? You see what I’m saying? Yeah let that REALLY sink in! And now Walker wants a train! So hypocritical.

Our Republican state hood “friends” really messed up. They realized it. Talgo at the time could have benefited ALOT of jobs. I visited the Talgo plant 5 years ago in the black community in the 2700 block at Townsend Street area, and wanted to see the HSR trains up close. They were good. With all the digital stuff and everything. Plus they worked hard on them! Our people. And the State shamefully gave it all up. All because they thought the tax payers would be on the hook for the vehicles. Or the personal favorite: boondoggles! “No one will ever ride it.” Um………you really think that Badger State? Better change your tune and repent. I hear mostly about the value of the trains on Black Radio like WNOV than 620 WTMJ or 1130 WISN. And let remind our Republican fans, not many in the state doesn’t have their own transportation! And Foxconn wants in. We’re unprepared. Matter of fact were unprepared in getting some of the highways and roads done. Which was LOOOONG talked about for years! Let that also sink in! Why you asked? Too many dang politics messing up. And dang is not a bad word.

At least the Milwaukee Streetcar is still on point.

All of this in my view needs the reexamination of what we really want to have in the state. And of course there will be questions. Like already as I speak, Foxconn is already being talked about but it should be talked about more in the areas of Milwaukee’s north side that can get more insight about what is going on. Especially when the state’s transportation system is on one leg losing to political standpoints so many times over!